Certain individuals snore during sleep or are interrupted by pauses while breathing. These may be indications of sleep apnea. Studies have confirmed that untreated sleep apnea may lead to cardiovascular problems like strokes, hypertension and heart disease.

A study in the July 1, 2008 issue of the journal Sleep provides visual evidence of the severe structural damage that occurs in numerous brain regions of those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Results show that OSA patients have extensive alternations in “white matter,” nerve tissue in the brain containing fibers that are insulated with myelin – a white, fatty sheath. These structural changes appear both in brain regions that have functional importance for characteristics such as mood, memory and cardiovascular regulation; and in fiber pathways interconnecting these regions.

The authors speculate that at least some of these changes result from the fluctuation of oxygen levels caused by pauses in breathing during OSA. In this study the subjects with OSA averaged 15 to 101 partial or complete pauses in breathing per hour of sleep during one night of monitoring at the USLA Sleep Disorders Laboratory. Blood flow in the brain is reduced during these pauses, the authors also note, and high blood pressure is associated with OSA; both of these conditions also create a potential for tissue damage.

In a related study published in the June 27, 2008 issue of the journal Neuroscience Letters, the same UCLA research team reported finding that people with sleep apnea also have tissue loss in the mammillary bodies, brain regions that help store memory.

Even Mild Sleep Apnea Increases Cardiovascular Risk

New research from the UK shows that minimally symptomatic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness, suggesting that patients with this condition are at increased cardiovascular risk.

What is Sleep Study?

Consult your doctor if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

-Loud snoring

-Excessive daytime sleepiness

-Morning headache

-Loss of concentration

-Forgetfulness

-Loss of libido

Upon evaluation, your doctor may advise you to undergo a more detailed check – Sleep Study. You can decide to have the test conducted at home or in hospital setting. During a Sleep Study, the sleep technician puts sensors on your head, face, neck, chest, abdomen, hands and legs. Parameters of Sleep Study Test includes: EEG, EOG, EMG, Nasal/Oral Flow, Chest/Abdomen Activity, Microphone, ECG, Position and Oximetry.

Upon one night of recording, the collected data will be analyzed and the analysis report will be delivered to your referring doctor the next morning. The doctor will make a diagnosis and explain the report result to you.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment call (86-21) 5298 6339